STOMP—a British percussion band

四川 蒋建平（特级教师）

体裁文章词数 建议用时311 6分钟说明文

难词探意

1.busker /'bʌskə(r)/ n.街头艺人

2.drummer /'drʌmə(r)/ n.鼓手

3.warehouse /'weəhaʊs/ n.仓库；货栈

You might have noticed that the ringing sound of basketballs was almost like the beat to a song.But did you know that it could be taken seriously as music?

The music group STOMP has taken everyday objects and turned them into instruments.The music it has created is a hit all over the world.

STOMP was formed by British musicians Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas.They met in the early 1980s when they were both working asbuskers,the British term for street performers.Cresswell and McNicholas were part of a busking group called Pookiesnackenburger that became very popular throughout Britain.

Cresswell was adrummerfor the group.Because they performed on the street, he could not set up a traditional drum set.Instead, he wore one drum that hung around his shoulders.To be able to make different sounds, Cresswell began beating on everyday objects that he could find during performances.This creative drumming led to the idea for STOMP.

STOMP made its first public appearance at London's Bloomsbury Theatre in 1991.The performers used one-of-a-kind instruments, such as empty water bottles, basketballs, and matchboxes to create music.Wearing overalls and T-shirts, they danced around on a stage made to look like a closedwarehouse.STOMP was a great success, winning many theater awards and drawing huge crowds.

In 1994, STOMP came to the United States and played at the Orpheum Theater in New York City.Years later, it is still playing there!To celebrate its ten-year anniversary, the then New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg renamed the street outside the theater STOMP Avenue.

STOMP has now toured all over the United States and most of the world.One reason why STOMP is so popular is that anyone can enjoy it.There are no words or story.People from all cultures can understand it, no matter which language they speak.

Reading Check

1．What makes STOMP a special music group?

A．It uses everyday objects as instruments.

B．The performers wear special clothes.

C．It usually performs in warehouses.

D．There are few words in its music.

2．What can we learn about STOMP?

A．It was part of Pookiesnackenburger.

B．It was named after a street.

C．It was formed in Britain.

D．It was created in 1980.

3．Who was behind the creative idea for STOMP?

A．A busking group.

B．Luke Cresswell.

C．Steve McNicholas.

D．Michael Bloomberg.

Language Study

熟词生义

To celebrate its ten-year anniversary, thethenNew York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg renamed the street outside the theater STOMP Avenue.为了庆祝它成立十周年，当时的纽约市市长迈克尔·布隆伯格把剧院外的街道重新命名为STOMP大街。

then adj.当时(任职等)的

e.g.That decision was taken by the then president.那个决定是由当时的总统做出的。